Author: John Newton, 1725-1807 Hymnal: The Cyber Hymnal #11655 Meter: 7.7.7.7 Lyrics: 1 Bless, O Lord, the opening year,
To each soul assembled here:
Clothe Thy Word with power divine,
Make us willing to be Thine.
2 Shepherd of Thy blood-bought sheep!
Teach the stony heart to weep;
Let the blind have eyes to see,
See themselves, and look on Thee!
3 Let the minds of all our youth
Feel the force of sacred truth;
While the Gospel call they hear,
May they learn to love and fear.
4 Show them what their ways have been,
Show the desert of their sin;
Then Thy dying love reveal,
This shall melt a heart of steel.
5 Where Thou hast Thy work begun,
Give new strength the race to run;
Scatter darkness, doubts and fears,
Wipe away the mourners’ tears.
6 Bless us all both old and young;
Call forth praise from every tongue:
Let the whole assembly prove
All Thy power, and all Thy love. Languages: English Tune Title: SHERBORNE
Bless, O Lord, The Opening Year